Duterte leaves for Asean leaders’ meet in Bali

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday night left the country to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Leaders’ Gathering in Bali, Indonesia.

Duterte left Awanag Airport in Maguindanao at 6:17 p.m.

The President is set to meet with the leaders of the nine-member states of Asean on October 11.

READ: Duterte to meet with Asean leaders in Bali

“The President will address the meeting and highlight the need to sustain inclusive and sustainable growth and development for all through stronger regional and global cooperation and greater security and stability,” Malacañang said in a statement.

The Palace said the President would meet with Asean leaders to discuss bilateral issues of mutual importance at the sidelines of the event.

“The Philippines is committed to actively participate and support ASEAN and ASEAN-centered efforts in order to advance shared aspirations for greater peace, progress and prosperity for the Southeast Asian region,” it added.

Duterte’s visit to Bali came after the Philippines donated US$300,000 worth humanitarian assistance to Palu, Indonesia after it was hit by a deadly earthquake and tsunami weeks ago.

The President will return to the Philippines and would “report to the nation the results of his participation,” Malacañang said. /je